Joseph Haydn Mystery Series

When his newly hired violinist disappears just weeks before the Empress's visit, Haydn is forced to confront a disturbing truth. . . Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn would like nothing better than to show his principal violinist, Bartó Daboczi, the door. But with the Empress Maria Theresa's visit scheduled in three weeks, Haydn can ill-afford to lose his surly virtuoso. But when Bartó disappears—along with all the music composed for the imperial visit—the Kapellmeister is forced to don the role of Kapell-detective, or risk losing his job. Before long Haydn's search uncovers pieces of a disturbing puzzle. Bartó, it appears, is more than just a petty thief—and more dangerous. And what seemed like a minor musical mishap could modulate into a major political catastrophe unless Haydn can find his missing virtuoso. Advance Praise for the Haydn Mysteries "Intricately researched and cleverly plotted. . ." Anna Lee Huber, Lady Darby Mysteries "A Minor Deception is a wonderful tour de force that pulls the reader into the intricate world of 18th century music, mystery and politics!  Elegantly written and plotted, the reader will be hooked from page one."  Emily Brightwell, New York Times Bestselling Author, Mrs. Jeffries Series ". . . will enthrall music lovers and mystery lovers alike. With complex characters and vivid descriptions, the reader will be transported back to the eighteenth century to enjoy a fascinating tale of intrigue. . . " Kate Kingsbury, Pennyfoot Hotel & Merry Ghost Inn Mysteries

When Monteverdi's lost operas surface, so does a killer desperate to possess them. . . Preoccupied with preparations for the opera season at Eszterháza, Kapellmeister Joseph Haydn receives a curious request from a friend in Vienna. Kaspar, an impoverished violinist with an ailing wife, wishes Haydn to evaluate a collection of scores reputed to be the lost operas of Monteverdi. Haydn is intrigued until Her Majesty, Empress Maria Theresa, summons him with a similar request. Skeptical of the value of Kaspar’s bequest, Haydn nevertheless offers to help. But before he can examine the works, Kaspar is murdered—beaten and left to die in front of a wine tavern. The police are quick to dismiss the death as a robbery gone wrong. But Haydn is not so sure. Kaspar’s keys were stolen and his house broken into. Could his bequest be genuine after all? And can Haydn find the true operas—and the man willing to kill for them?

When an enemy makes overtures of friendship, is anyone safe? An unexpected invitation from wily King Frederick causes composer Joseph Haydn to fear he's walking into a trap. After all, the Prussian King has never had any use for Haydn's music. His Majesty seems more intrigued at Haydn's being the son of a market-judge. Worse still, the invitation appears to stir up suspicion in the highest quarters in Vienna. So much so that a mysterious, cloaked lady visits Haydn's Music Room and issues a thinly veiled threat. Now Haydn is convinced there's mischief afoot. But not even he can foresee that he will stumble upon the corpse of the imperial ambassador a day after his arrival in Frederick's Prussia, along with evidence that His Lordship may have been a common thief. Can Haydn salvage the imperial ambassador's reputation—and find his killer? Praise for the Joseph Haydn Mysteries "A standout in the genre of historical mysteries. An encore is requested!" Midwest Book Review "Tustin occupies a unique niche in the historical mystery world." Edith Maxwell, Agatha-nominated Author, Quaker Midwife Mysteries "Wonderful read for fans of historical cozy mysteries. . .The characters are strong and the writing is smooth. . ."  Books a Plenty Book Reviews "An interesting journey and Haydn is a likable main character."    Christa Reads and Writes "Vivid historical descriptions, intricate details, and a fascinating central character kept me turning the pages.  Bravo!"          Amanda Carmack, award-winning author of The Elizabethan Mystery Series

When murder propels him backstage, Haydn is forced to confront a deadly killer. . . When the Burgtheater's impresario unexpectedly meets his maker, Joseph Haydn is relieved to learn no one expects him to look into the matter. The impresario was murdered—and the Salzburger believed to be the killer is already behind bars.   But the impresario's untimely death is not without consequences. Haydn's employer insists he take over the dead man's duties. Handling the tedious technical details of putting on an opera is bad enough. Confronting the suspicious behavior backstage is even worse.   Is an innocent man being sent to the gallows? Haydn is plagued by the question when his brother Michael confirms his worst fears. The Salzburger arrested for the murder is none other than Leopold Mozart—father of the well-known child prodigy currently in Vienna.    Now, egged on by Michael—a close friend of the Mozarts—Haydn must prove Leopold innocent. Or risk his brother's ire forever!   Praise for the Joseph Haydn Mysteries: "Tustin orchestrates a concerto of intrigue and deception . . ." – Anna Lee Huber, Lady Darby Mysteries   "A standout in the genre of historical mysteries . . ." – Midwest Book Reviews

When murder invades Haydn's opera stage, scandal isn't far behind . . . Charged with ensuring that an imperial wedding transpires without mishap, composer Joseph Haydn has his hands full. Barely seventeen, Archduke Ferdinand Karl, the imperial bridegroom, is reluctant to marry. And the bride, Maria Beatrice, has her reservations as well.   But when an extortion note surfaces—an unpleasant reminder of the bridegroom's shameful past—the wedding seems truly doomed. Worse still, all the evidence points to Haydn's prima donna, Lucia Pacelli, being the blackmailer.   Before Haydn can confront her, however, Lucia is fatally poisoned. And Haydn is left to wonder whether his imperial charge had a hand in her death.   Troubled by the dark secrets he might uncover, Haydn is nevertheless compelled to investigate. Will the young Archduke be found innocent? Or must Haydn lead His Imperial Highness to the gallows?   "Tustin's intricate plotting . . . kept me in exquisite suspense. "-Words and Reviews   "If you love historical settings . . . this one is for you!"-Nellie's Book Nook